EVs Less Vulnerable to Volcanic Ash Issues

Monday 26th April, 2010

Solar Impulse’s all-electric airplane

Solar Impulse’s electric airplane could have flown while most of European air traffic were grounded. The second successful test flight of Solar Impulse’s HB-SIA prototype solar-powered electric airplane in Payerne Switzerland last week highlights another value of this new EV (Electric Vehicle) technology.  Not only from a sustainable green energy and environmental point of view, but also from a financial perspective as well.

Airspace closures caused by the volcanic ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano (called Eyjafjallajökull) created the worse breakdown in civil aviation in Europe since World War II.  During the no-fly period 100,000 flights were canceled, perhaps causing airlines to lose over $2 billion USD in revenue, much of that loss could have been avoided if electric-powered vehicles ruled the skies.  In addition if EVs where the rule (instead of the exception) on the ground as well, then the consequences of this type of natural occurrence would have been relatively minor compared to the disruptions caused by relying heavily on air-breathing, pollution creating ICEs (Internal Combustion Engines).  Even if most forms of transportation fared better than air travel, there will still be disruptions in service and/or increased cost associated with fossil fuel powered-cars, trucks and buses within the path of the ash cloud.  Many ICEs that were operated in the vicinity of volcanic ash will no doubt require at least an early change of their carburetor filters that’s if the appropriate type for their particular model is still in stock after the sudden unexpected jump in demand.

Iceland volcano eruption

The HB-SIA is as large as a Boeing 747, but weighs only about as much as the family car and is entirely powered by solar panels on top of the wings.  Thus it does not have air-breathing engines that are highly susceptible to ingesting potentially dangerous particles found within typical volcanic ash clouds.

This latest flight was a two hour test flight flown by Markus Scherdel, which focused primarily on turning and low speed handling characteristics and was conducted at a maximum altitude of approximately 7000 feet. These tests are a necessary step before the Solar Impulse attempts to make a historic non-stop around the world flight, when the EV will fly 24 hours a day without stopping for fuel.

This article is brought to you, courtesy of EV.COM:
http://www.ev.com/ev-concept-vehicles/evs-less-vulnerable-to-volcanic-ash-issues.html